My Personal Childhood Web

My Birth Mother- I have never met this woman but she did nurture me for nine months. I feel her decision to put me up for adoption has had the biggest influence on me my whole life. By giving me up for adoption my birth mother gave me my parents who have been the best influence and support system in my life!

My Dad- Dad had a big influence on my childhood and life. We did everything together; cut the grass, raked the leaves, painted porches, read the comics, watched cartoons, worked in the garage, read books, among plenty of other things. He taught me that I was capable of doing anything that I put my mind to. Dad lost his job of 29 years when I was young and went through many jobs and unemployment for years. During this time he kept his head up, stayed strong, and made sure that my family knew no matter what happened we would be ok. This time period had the biggest influence on my life. I am going through a hard time in right now, but what I learned from Dad during those rough years, I know everything will be ok and workout with patience. Dad passed away 10 years ago, but I know he is still a strong presence in my life and is still by my side supporting me in anything that I do. Thank you Daddy for staying strong and being a positive influence in my life!

My Mom- Mom has been a big influence in my life. She was a stay at home Mom until my sister and I started school. Even when she did go back to work we didn’t realize it because she left for work after she got us on the school bus safely and was home to greet us when we got off the bus. When I was not helping Dad, I was busy helping Mom in the kitchen. My fondest memory is standing on the kitchen chair helping her make bread. Since Mom stayed at home she made many things from scratch to save money. She taught me my love for cooking! As I was growing up my Mom, and Dad, supported me in the decisions I made, even if she knew they were not going to work out. If they didn’t work out she was there to help through my disappointment. To this day she gives me positive guidance, support, and encourages me to excel in life to my fullest extent.

 Both Mom and Dad taught me to be grateful for the things I have and to treasure the people in my life. They made/make sure I knew how special I am to them and how grateful they are that I became part of their lives.

My Grandparents- Sorry I can’t talk about just one of them. They are all very special and I cherish every moment I was able to spend with them. They all taught me the value of having a good work ethic. I spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s houses growing up. My Moms parents owned a print shop, in their row house, just north of Baltimore. I can remember Pop-Pop sitting at the press printing things to stock the shelves with. He worked 6 ½ days a week, but he never missed a meal with his family. Nana worked in the store helping customers find what they needed and ringing them out. Both of them were well respected in the community. When I was around the age of 10 they had to sell the store and move to an apartment. That is the first time I was exposed to the word Alzheimer’s disease. Pop Pop started to go down hill quickly. The support, love and togetherness of my family made this period easier to get through. My dad’s mom, Grammy, worked at a department store called Hutzler’s until she was in her mid- seventies. When she retired she came to live with us and was a huge help to my parents. She cooked, cleaned, did laundry, and watched over my sister and me when my parents were out. All three of my grandparents were hard workers and taught me to do the best job possible and never take a job for granite. But the major thing I learned from them was the importance of having a close family. I see them as the backbone of our family during many rough periods in or life.

 
Anne Bishop- I know I am suppose to be writing about people who were influences in my childhood; however, I need to include Anne. She was one of the biggest influences in my life as I started my career in Early Childhood Education. She was the Director at the first preschool I worked at and is a very good friend of my to this day. When I started working at the preschool I had received my Associates degree, dropped out of the local University, and was working a second job at night to make ends meet. Anne saw the potential and passion I had in the field. She quickly started to encourage me to return to school and get my degree. After several years I finally listened and returned to college, boy were my parents ever grateful! While I was in school and working Anne continued to give the support and resources I needed to be successful in my career and education. I am not sure who was more proud the day I picked up my degree Anne or my Mom. Anne saw something in me the day she meet me and took it and ran. I have to say if it was not for her I would not have gone back to finish my degree. When I told her I was going back to get my Master’s I knew she was very proud of me.